SOOF lift advice/alternatives? (Photo)

Question

So I’ve posted on here before and was told the issues with my under eye/upper cheek area were likely malar bags/festoons. However as suggested I had an appointment with an ophthalmologist who says the issue was related to the suborbicularis oculi fat (SOOF) and mentioned the possibility of a SOOF lift but ultimately recommended that I didn’t do anything. However it’s still something that bothers me personally and would like to know what options were available to me. Thanks.

Russell Bramhall, MBChB, FRCS(plast) · Answer

Hi,
Thank you for your question. You do not have festoons. You do have malar bags. These are actually very common. It is straight forward to improve this with a lower blepharoplasty that releases the orbitomalar ligament which creates the shadow you don’t like under the eye. Most patients get a 60-70% improvement. You would also get some benefit from fillers, maybe not quite as much but the risks of fillers are lower than surgery so might be worth considering in the first instance. Please feel free to book in for a consultation to discuss your options. I tend to leave the fillers to my close colleague, Dr Darren McKeown, who works in the same clinic in Glasgow so if you book a consultation with both of us on the same day you will get a good idea of all of your options, the pros and cons of each and can make an informed decision from then.
Best wishes,
Russell

Fernando Colon, MD · Answer

It will be interesting to see good picture of your face 10-15 years ago and compare it with your present situation.In addition a personal consultation with a board certifiedplastic surgeon experienced in facial rejuvenation is amust to determine your options. Be cautious. Best wishes.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Your case is tricky because the swelling does not appear to be from too much orbicular fat.  I would need to be able to examine you in person.  Whatever you do don’t get tallied into getting fillers.  They will only add to the puffiness.

Justin C. Cohen, MD, FACS · Answer

I assume you are referring to some contour shadowing under your eyes and the front of the cheeks? These are not festoons.  You are simply starting to experience some of the early volume changes that occur with aging.  This region is one of the first to be affected and is easily treated with injectable fillers.  I recommend hyaluronic acid materials that are temporary and can be customized according to your specific needs. IMO a SOOF lift doesn't make much sense for you because your SOOF (and malar fat pad) is deflating, not falling. Find a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to go over all your options.  I would not recommend any surgery for you at this time. Best of luck!

Val Lambros, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

you don't have festoons, which are skin folds under the eyes. There is a significant difference in the color and texture of the cheek and malar skin. Nothing makes it all better. You can get some improvement by filling the under eye  a little and using some concealer. This is not easy as fillers only improve the contour and you have more than that going on.  Tough problem

SOOF lift advice/alternatives? (Photo)

Answers (5)